NFC Divisional Playoffs Preview: Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders

Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders

The second NFC Divisional Playoffs game on Saturday will feature the NFC teams, as the #1 Seed Detroit Lions host the Washington Commanders.  This game is scheduled to take place from Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan with the kickoff set for 8:00 PM on FOX. 

The folks over at BetAnySports have the Detroit Lions listed as -9.5 point favorites with the total being 55.5 points. 

Washington Commanders Preview

The Washington Commanders have advanced to the Divisional Round, following a 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winning was the important part but getting there wasn’t easy. With less than 5 minutes left on the clock, the Tampa Bay Bucs were led down the field and kicked a field goal to tie the game up but they left too much time on the clock.  

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels led the Commanders on a 10 play 51 yard drive that was capped off with a 37 yard field goal to win the game and advance to the next round. Daniels had a very good game going 24 for 35 and 268 yards passing, in addition to two passing touchdowns and 36 yards rushing. 

In addition to the offense looking good under Daniels, the defense rose to the occasion to stop the powerful offense of the Bucs. The Commanders Defense held TB QB Baker Mayfield to 185 yards passing and two touchdowns in the game, and kept RB Bucky Irving to just 77 yards rushing. 

Stopping the Bucs and stopping the Detroit Lions are two totally different avenues and two much different tasks! The Commanders must now shift their gameplanning to those Lions, who have the #2 overall offense in the NFL!  

Detroit Lions Preview

The Detroit Lions had a week off to relax, recuperate and rejuvenate the roster. They are the #1 seed, who had the week off last week and have home field advantage throughout the postseason. 

The Lions enter this game with an overall record of 15-2 SU and were good to their supporters, going 11-5 on the season against the spread. Detroit has won 3 straight games over the likes of Minnesota, San Fran and Chicago, and it should be noted that their two losses this season came by a combined 10 points against two playoff teams, the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Bucs. 

The Lions are certainly one of the strongest teams in the NFL, even with the nagging injuries that have plagued this team all season. They are guided by Head Coach Dan Campbell, who has them believing they can win any game, no matter what! 

Handicapping Preview & Pick

Let’s start off with the obvious, we think Detroit Lions will win this NFC Divisional Playoffs game but will they cover the heavy line? BetAnySports has the Lions listed as -9.5 point favorites. Now, while we like the Lions to win, we think this game will be much closer than what the line indicates. 

Washington can score points and they will keep this game close. We think the best value is to take the points here with the Commanders. Washington +9.5 looks like a sweet play for the Divisional Round! 

Pick: Washington Commanders +9.5